Hybrid vehicle

ABSTRACT

A hybrid zero turn vehicle is disclosed, having an internal combustion engine supported on a frame and an operator platform located adjacent to the rear of the frame. An upright riser is disposed on the frame. The vehicle uses an electrical generating device driven by the engine and first electric drive motors or transmissions to drive the output wheels. An electrical bus or controllers may be mounted on a panel of the upright riser and offset vertically above the engine to assist in providing a compact design. A pair of drive levers is mounted on the upright riser for controlling the output of the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application Ser. No.61/983,357, filed Apr. 23, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hybrid vehicles and, in particular, zero turnhybrid utility vehicles with ground engaging implements, such as mowingblades, brush cutters, and aerators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Configurations of various zero turn hybrid vehicles are disclosedherein. A compact design of a stand-on vehicle using a pair ofelectrically driven wheels is disclosed.

A better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, propertiesand relationships of the invention will be obtained from the followingdetailed description and accompanying drawings which set forthillustrative embodiments that are indicative of the various ways inwhich the principles of the invention may be employed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a zero turn hybrid utility vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of an exemplary zero turn hybridutility vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of another exemplary zero turn hybridutility vehicle.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of another exemplary zero turn hybridutility vehicle.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the vehicle of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of another exemplary zero turn hybridutility vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description that follows describes, illustrates and exemplifies oneor more particular embodiments of the present invention in accordancewith its principles. This description is not provided to limit theinvention to the embodiment or embodiments described herein, but ratherto explain and teach the principles of the invention in such a way toenable one of ordinary skill in the art to understand these principlesand, with that understanding, be able to apply them to practice not onlythe embodiment or embodiments described herein, but also otherembodiments that may come to mind in accordance with these principles.The scope of the present invention is intended to cover all suchembodiments that may fall within the scope of the appended claims,either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

It should be noted that in the description and drawings, like orsubstantially similar elements may be labeled with the same referencenumerals. However, sometimes these elements may be labeled withdiffering or serial numbers, such as, for example, in cases where suchlabeling facilitates a more clear description. Additionally, thedrawings set forth herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, and insome instances proportions may have been exaggerated to more clearlydepict certain features. Such labeling and drawing practices do notnecessarily implicate an underlying substantive purpose. Furthermore,certain views, e.g., FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, are side views which depict onlyone side of the vehicle, but it will be understood that the oppositeside is preferably identical thereto in many respects. The presentspecification is intended to be taken as a whole and interpreted inaccordance with the principles of the present invention as taught hereinand understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a zero turn hybrid utility vehicle 100,which by way of example only is a riding utility vehicle. Variouscomponents of vehicle 100 can be mounted on and supported by a frame112. In particular, an engine 102, one or two alternators 106 (twoshown), battery 108, electric zero turn transaxles 110 a, 110 b, andfraction controllers 120 a, 120 b can be mounted on frame 112. Frame 112also supports a deck 118, which may be of fixed height (relative toground), ground-following, or height adjustable as known in the art.Deck 118 can include mowing blades and is intended to be representativeof other ground engaging equipment such as brush cutters, aerators, andthe like. Such implements are preferably operatively engaged to anddriven by the engine 102 by known means, such as a belt and pulleysystem, which is not shown here for clarity. The other embodimentsdisclosed herein are similar in terms of the deck and relatedimplements. Operator seat 130, situated by way of example only abovedeck 118, is also affixed to frame 112. Frame 112 is supported aboveground by a pair of caster wheels 116 and a pair of driven wheels 114.

Engine 102, such as an internal combustion engine, drives alternators106 via a belt and pulley assembly 104. Alternators 106 generateelectric power to charge a battery 108, and it will be understood thatthe alternators could be replaced with one or more generators such as isshown in the embodiment of FIG. 6. Battery 108 supplies electric powerto electric zero turn transaxles 110 a, 110 b. Electric zero turntransaxles 110 a, 110 b provide rotational output through a pair ofoutput shafts 111 a, 111 b to rotationally drive a pair of driven wheels114.

Traction controllers 120 a, 120 b can control the speed and direction ofwheels 114 by controlling the respective electric zero turn transaxles110 a, 110 b, based on inputs from an operator (sitting in operator seat130). Traction controllers 120 a, 120 b are mounted near the rear ofvehicle 100 near transaxles 110 a, 110 b away from engine 120 to aid incooling, although other locations are possible. The operator can providespeed and direction inputs through a pair of drive levers 132 a, 132 b.Drive levers 132 a, 132 b can connect to a pair of control assemblies140 a, 140 b via mechanical linkages 134 a, 134 b. Control assemblies140 a, 140 b can each include a mechanical return to neutral (“RTN”)mechanism 141 and a potentiometer 142 to communicate the position ofdrive levers 132 a and 132 b to traction controllers 120 a and 120 b,respectively. Based on the position of drive levers 132 a, 132 b,potentiometers 142 can provide varying inputs to fraction controllers120 a, 120 b so that electric zero turn transaxles 110 a, 110 b (andwheels 114) are driven as desired by the operator. In the absence ofinputs from the operator, RTN mechanisms 141 can force the drive levers132 a, 132 b to a neutral position. Front caster wheels 116 react inresponse to the actions of rear driven wheels 114.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of an embodiment of a zero turn hybridutility vehicle 200 similar to vehicle 100, but differing in that thevehicle 200 is a stand-on utility vehicle. The various components ofvehicle 200 can be mounted on and supported by a frame 212. In this sideview of FIG. 2, only one side is shown so certain components areduplicated on the other side of the vehicle, and it will be understoodthat these components are preferably identical to the ones depicted.Reference is made to the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 for clarity onthis point. Engine 202, alternator(s) 206, battery 208, electric zeroturn transaxles 210 a and 210 b (not shown), and fraction controllers220 a and 220 b (not shown) can be mounted on vehicle 200 and canoperate similarly to the description of the first embodiment. Engine202, such as an internal combustion engine, drives alternator(s) 206 viaa belt and pulley assembly 204. Frame 212 also supports a deck 218,which can include mowing blades and is intended to be representative ofother ground engaging equipment such as brush cutters, aerators, and thelike, and, as mentioned, such implements would be powered by engine 202by known means. Frame 212 is supported above ground by a pair of frontcaster wheels 216 and a pair of rear driven wheels 214. Front casterwheels 216 react in response to the actions of the rear driven wheels214.

An operator can stand on a platform 230, disposed at the rear of vehicle200. An upright riser 222 is attached to frame 212 and can include anoperator cushion 221 for the operator to lean against during operation.Drive levers 232 a and 232 b (not shown) can be mounted on upright riser222 and can be manipulated by the operator to provide speed anddirection inputs via linkages 234 a and 234 b (not shown) connected tocontrol assemblies 240 a and 240 b (not shown), respectively. Controlassemblies 240 a, 240 b are preferably consistent in design with controlassemblies 140 a, 140 b described above and will not be described indetail here. The potentiometers of control assemblies 240 a, 240 b arewired to their respective traction controllers 220 a, 220 b.

Drive levers 232 a, 232 b can include multiple graspable components toallow the operator to more conveniently manipulate the drive levers 232a, 232 b. Stationary handle 231 is also mounted on upright riser 222 andis disposed between components of drive levers 232 a, 232 b, and can begrasped to provide stability to the operator when operating vehicle 200.Vehicle 200 also differs from vehicle 100 in that fraction controllers220 a and 220 b (not shown) are positioned on upright riser 222 and arethus disposed above vehicle frame 212 at an elevated position near drivelevers 232 a, 232 b. As depicted, operator cushion 221 is mounted on arear surface of upright riser 222 and traction controllers 220 a and 220b are mounted on a front surface of upright riser 222, opposite to therear surface. Placement of traction controllers 220 a and 220 b on theupright riser 222 behind the operator cushion 221 provides aparticularly compact design.

FIG. 3 depicts a further embodiment of a zero turn hybrid utilityvehicle 300 similar to vehicle 200, but differing in the steering ofvehicle 300 by using electric wheel hub motors in place of the electrictransaxles of vehicle 200, and using electric actuators as describedbelow. Again, as a side view, certain components are not shown but willpreferably be identical to the ones depicted, and reference is made tothe embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 for clarity on this point. Engine 302,alternators 306, battery 308, electric wheel motors 310 a and 310 b (notshown), and fraction controllers 320 a, 320 b (not shown) can be mountedon vehicle 300, and frame 312 also includes an upright riser 322. Engine302, such as an internal combustion engine, drives alternators 306 via abelt and pulley assembly 304. Traction controllers 320 a and 320 b (notshown) control the speed and direction of electric wheel motors 310 aand 310 b (not shown) that drive driven wheels 314, based on operatormanipulation of drive levers 332 a and 332 b (not shown). Controlassemblies 340 a, 340 b (not shown) are preferably consistent in designwith control assemblies 140 a, 140 b described above and will not bedescribed in detail here. The potentiometers of control assemblies 340a, 340 b are wired to their respective traction controllers 320 a, 320b.

Traction controllers 320 a, 320 b can coordinate the positioning ofelectric actuators 325 a, 325 b (not shown) with the speed and directionof electric wheel motors 310 a, 310 b to improve the overall steering ofvehicle 300. As in the prior embodiment, placement of fractioncontrollers 320 a and 320 b on upright riser 322 behind the operatorcushion 321 provides a particularly compact design. Steering control isadded to front caster wheels 316 by means of electric actuators 325 aand 325 b. Front caster wheels 316 are therefore more responsive to theactions of the operator as transmitted through fraction controllers 320a and 320 b. That is, wheels 316 follow the intended direction ofvehicle 300 in a coordinated manner rather than pivoting freely inresponse to variations in terrain. This can provide better vehicleresponse to operator inputs and therefore provides the operator withbetter control of vehicle 300, particularly when traversing slopes ortraveling over rough terrain.

FIGS. 4 and 5 depict an embodiment of a zero turn hybrid utility vehicle400 similar to vehicles 200 and 300, but differing in the control of theelectric wheel motors and the caster wheels. Certain componentsdiscussed herein are not depicted in both FIGS. 4 and 5 simply forclarity. For example, the operator cushion 421 located on the rearsurface 422 a of riser 422 is not shown in the rear view of FIG. 5, andriser 422 is shown only in phantom outline format, to permit one to seeother components such as bus 450, that would otherwise be hidden.

In this embodiment, engine 402, alternators 406, battery 408, andelectric wheel motors 410 a and 410 b can be mounted on vehicle 400. Asin the prior embodiments, an operator can stand on a platform 430,disposed at the rear of vehicle 400. Upright riser 422 attached to frame412 can include an operator cushion 421 for the operator to lean againstduring operation. Drive levers 432 a and 432 b can be mounted on uprightriser 422 and can be structurally and operationally similar to thosepreviously described, including connection via linkages 434 a and 434 bconnected to control assemblies 440 a and 440 b, respectively.

The speed and direction of electric wheel motors 410 a and 410 b, andultimately driven wheels 414, are controlled by controllers 410 c thatare integrated with the electric wheel motors 410 a, 410 b. Integratedcontrollers 410 c receive inputs from the operator through drive levers432 a and 432 b via control assemblies 440 a and 440 b, which may besimilar to those discussed above and may also include a return toneutral mechanism. The potentiometers of control assemblies 440 a, 440 bare wired to their respective integrated controllers 410 c. Note thatFIGS. 4 and 5 depict different optional locations for integratedcontrollers 410 c. A bus 450 for connecting the various conductorsdepicted may be mounted on the front surface 422 b of upright riser 422,as shown in FIG. 5, with operator cushion 421 mounted on a rear surface422 a opposite thereto. As shown, electrical bus 450 is connected tobattery 408, alternators 406 and integrated controllers 410 c.Electrical bus 450 provides power distribution. Again, components suchas operator cushion 421 are not shown in FIG. 5 in order to improveclarity and understanding. Front caster wheels 416 react in response tothe actions of rear driven wheels 414, as in the manner described forvehicle 200. If desired, electric actuators similar to actuators 325 a,325 b described above could be used in this embodiment and receive powerfrom electrical bus 450. However, additional integrated controllers inthe electric actuators or separate controller(s) would be needed toprocess input signals from the operator to provide additional frontsteering via electric actuators in this embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a zero turn vehicle 500 that is similarin many respects to the vehicle 400 described above. In this embodiment,deck 518, engine 502, battery 508, electric wheel motors 510 a and 510 bcan be mounted on vehicle 500. As in frame 412 of vehicle 400, frame 512is also depicted as including brackets for mounting the wheel motors 510a, 510 b. Frame 512 also includes an upright riser 522 on whichelectrical bus 550, drive levers 532 a and 532 b and control assemblies540 a and 540 b would be mounted. It will be understood that an operatorcushion similar to cushion 421 would be used here, but is not shown inFIG. 6 for clarity. In this embodiment, engine 502 drives a generator503 which is connected to a clutch-brake 507 and belt and pulleyassembly 505 which drives the cutting blades (not shown) of mowing deck518. Electrical bus 550 is used to provide power connections between thegenerator 503, wheel motors 510 a, 510 b and battery 508. The internalconstruction of generator 503 and clutch-brake 507 can be similar tothat disclosed in U.S. Application No. 62/058,577, the terms of whichare incorporated herein by reference.

As in the prior embodiment, an operator can stand on a platform 530,disposed at the rear of vehicle 500. Drive levers 532 a and 532 bmounted on upright riser 522 can be structurally and operationallysimilar to those previously described, including connection via linkages534 a and 534 b connected to control assemblies 540 a and 540 b,respectively. The potentiometers of control assemblies 540 a, 540 b arewired to their respective integrated controllers 510 c. The speed anddirection of electric wheel motors 510 a and 510 b, and ultimatelydriven wheels 514, are controlled by the integrated controllers 510 c.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed is meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of the invention which is to be given thefull breadth of the appended claims and any equivalent thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A zero turn vehicle, the vehicle comprising: aninternal combustion engine supported on a frame, the frame having afront end and a rear end; an operator platform disposed on the frameadjacent to the rear end of the frame; an upright riser disposed on theframe and having a rear surface providing a support portion for anoperator of the vehicle, and a front surface opposite to the rearsurface; at least one electrical generating device driven by theinternal combustion engine for generating electrical power, the at leastone electrical generating device being connected to a battery disposedon the vehicle; a pair of drive levers for controlling speed anddirection of the vehicle, the pair of drive levers being disposed on theupright riser; a first electric drive motor having a first integratedcontroller, the first electric drive motor disposed on one side of theoperator platform; a first driven wheel disposed adjacent the rear ofthe frame and engaged to and driven by the first electric drive motor; asecond electric drive motor having a second integrated controller, thesecond electric drive motor disposed on a second side of the operatorplatform; a second driven wheel disposed adjacent the rear of the frameand engaged to and driven by the second electric drive motor; and anelectrical bus disposed on the front surface of the upright risergenerally opposite to the support portion and offset vertically abovethe engine, the electrical bus in communication with the first andsecond integrated controllers and the at least one electrical generatingdevice; and a pair of caster wheel assemblies mounted to the frameadjacent to the front end thereof.
 2. The zero turn vehicle of claim 1,wherein the at least one electrical generating device comprises at leastone alternator.
 3. The zero turn vehicle of claim 1, wherein the atleast one electrical generating device comprises a generator, and aclutch-brake assembly is engaged to the generator.